Egyptband heads classy Ganay field The French flat racing season hots up on Sunday with the Prix Ganay at Longchamp, the first Group One event of the year.Some high class horses will be hoping to kick start their campaigns, notably four-year-old filly Egyptband.One of the best European middle distance performers last term, the Criquette Head-Maarek runner won the French Oaks and was second in the Arc de Triomphe.Samum, the German Derby winner, was a dual group one winner in his homeland.The Andreas Schutz runner came only sixth in the Arc de Triomphe but could be a different proposition on heavy ground.Two British horses, Golden Snake and Little Rock, cross the channel.The former is a Group One winner in three different countries and took the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly in 1999.Fitness could well play a role and, of horses that have already raced this season, the constantly improving Earlene should lack nothing in that department.Earlene, owned by Sheikh Mohammed, has taken an unconventional route after winning two races at Cagnes-sur-Mer over the winter.A failure on the all weather surface at the Riviera track preceded victories in the Prix Exbury and the Prix d`Harcourt.Rounding out the field are With The Flow, Di Moi Oui, Boismorand and Burning Sunset.
